Soft Start on a Heat Pump

🛠️ Installing a Micro-Air EasyStart on a Coleman Mach 15 with Heat Pump: A SMART-RV Case Study

Contributed by: John Vanek of Ridgeback RV Services, Certified RV Technician, SMART-RV Network
Service Date: May 24, 2025
Equipment: Coleman Mach 15 rooftop air conditioner with heat pump
Upgrade: Micro-Air EasyStart soft start module installation

💡 Background

RV owners often upgrade to a Micro-Air EasyStart module to reduce the power surge that happens when their A/C compressor kicks on. This soft start technology allows you to run your air conditioner more reliably on limited power sources—such as a 30-amp hookup or even a generator—without tripping breakers.

This installation case, contributed by fellow SMART-RV technician John Vanek, demonstrates how we in the technician network share installation techniques for better outcomes across the board.

🔌 The Installation Challenge

The Coleman Mach 15 system in this case included a heat pump, which adds a layer of complexity due to the additional relay board.

One of the key steps in installing the EasyStart involves properly routing the black wire that controls compressor operation. In this case, that required identifying the correct black wire in the control system to splice into.

🧰 Technician’s Notes

Here’s the recommended approach from John, based on successful installations:

• Locate the black wire exiting the heat pump relay control board.

• Cut this black wire and use an end splice connector to connect:

  • The black wire coming out of the EasyStart

  • The cut black wire from the control board

  • The black wire continuing on to the compressor

This effectively merges all three into a single splice connection, completing the control signal path with the EasyStart in-line.

🔄 Alternate Wiring Method

According to Troy Grant, an RV air conditioning instructor consulted by SMART-RV techs, there’s another valid approach:

• Splice into the purple wire that runs from the main A/C control board into the heat pump relay board.

• This purple wire transitions into a black wire after passing through the relay board—also ultimately leading to the compressor common.

Either method accomplishes the same result, and the choice may depend on your comfort level, wire access, or control board layout.

🧠 Why This Matters

Installing a soft start is one of the best upgrades you can make to improve RV power management—especially if you camp off-grid or rely on smaller generators.

By being part of a nationwide network of certified techs (SMART-RV), I can offer you not just a standard installation, but one that’s informed by hundreds of field-tested variations and backed by collective experience.

Thinking about adding a soft start to your RV A/C?
I install Micro-Air EasyStart units and can make sure yours is wired properly for your exact model—heat pump or not. Get the most out of your generator or 30-amp hookup with a smarter cooling setup.